Frequently Asked Questions#
Biathlon typifies the true essence of sport: the perfect confluence of mind, movement and endurance. It is a beautiful paradox and success is elusive: it requires balancing contradictory demands of the most physically demanding sport of cross country skiing with the calm measured composure and precision needed to shoot quickly and accurately. The true drama unfolds on the shooting range. With their hearts pounding three times per second, athletes struggle to control their breathing as they shoot, knowing that every shot and the number of seconds lost taking those shots will determine who stands atop the podium that day. It is this drama, along with the exciting broadcast of the sport that make biathlon the top rated winter sport with over 700 million viewers annually.
Biathlon in the U.S.
While immensely popular internationally, biathlon is a young, small but growing sport here in the U.S. It is also the only winter sport in which a U.S. athlete has never won an Olympic medal. Our athletes have won World Cup and World Championship medals, but never stood atop the Olympic Podium. This will change.
U.S. Biathlon is riding a growing wave of success and sport popularity; we are an underdog that is gaining global respect and creating a buzz in the sport. U.S. biathletes are climbing the ranks and proving they can be winners. We have an ambitious and transformative plan for long-term success which will ensure a sustainable community of clubs across the nation attracts talented, young athletes and offer them the foundation needed to succeed on the world stage and win medals at the Olympic Winter Games.
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What will I receive?
In addition to year-round monthly newsletters, we also send out in-season weekly updates to our community! These weekly updates include weekly World Cup video recaps, the latest news, results, athlete highlights and more!
Where is U.S. Biathlon located?
The U.S. Biathlon Association headquarters are located in Midway, UT at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. The National Team is based in Lake Placid, NY and the Junior National and Parabiathlon Teams are based in Bozeman, MT.
Is U.S. Biathlon a non-profit organization?
Yes. U.S. Biathlon is a 501 c (3) non-profit organization.
What is U.S. Biathlon’s mission?
U.S. Biathlon is an Olympic sports organization that fosters the growth of the biathlon community in the U.S., developing athletes with integrity and achieving international and Olympic success.
What is the U.S. Biathlon Foundation?
The U.S. Biathlon Foundation and Trustees is a critically important community of remarkable minds and passionate supporters who provide expertise and resources that ensure our athletes have all the elements critical for success on the world stage, as well as grassroots efforts at home that build awareness and enthusiasm for biathlon in the U.S. and expand access to the sport. To learn more about the U.S. Biathlon Foundation, our 2030 Plan, key initiatives and activities, Foundation events and more, please contact U.S. Biathlon President and CEO Jack Gierhart, (617) 413-6187. Click HERE to learn more.
What is U.S. Biathlon’s selection criteria?
Click HERE to view the selection criteria for international team, National Team, Junior National Team, Youth Olympic Games, Jr. IBU Cup/JOECH and YJWCH.
What are the World Cup and IBU Cup qualification processes throughout the season?
Click HERE to view the qualification process.
Who can be a U.S. Biathlon member?
Anyone! Athletes, coaches and officials are required to have U.S. Biathlon memberships. There are options to become a supporting member, lifetime member, or even member for a day if you are looking to give biathlon a try. To view membership details, click HERE.
How do I become a member?
Click HERE to become a U.S. Biathlon member. Thank you for your support and welcome to the biathlon family!
Are there membership benefits?
Yes! U.S. Biathlon members receive quarterly newsletters, which include member-only promotions from our partners and suppliers, access to Expertvoice, and more!
How long do memberships last?
U.S. Biathlon memberships must be renewed annually, unless you are a lifetime member. There is the option to set your account to auto-renew, so you don’t have to worry about missing the renewal deadline!
Are there member requirements?
If you are an athlete over the age of 18 training with athletes under the age of 18 regularly, or are a coach or official, you must have current SafeSport training as well as a current background check. SafeSport training must be taken annually, while background checks are required every two years.